Van strikes diners on LA sidewalk, 8 injured

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Latest on a van striking a group of people on a Los Angeles sidewalk. (all times local):

7:30 p.m.

The driver of a van that plowed into a group of diners on a Los Angeles sidewalk, injuring eight people, has been arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run.

Police Sgt. C. Barlow said the driver, whose name has not been released, blew a red light Sunday afternoon and struck another car at an intersection. She said the impact caused the van to careen into the sidewalk and strike a group of people eating outside The Fish Spot restaurant in the city’s Mid-Wilshire neighborhood.

A witness said the driver came out of the van and appeared disoriented. He jumped back into the van, prompting witnesses to hold him until officers arrived at the scene.

Authorities said the victims included a 44-year-old man who suffered critical injuries, three who were seriously hurt and four others who were taken to the hospital in fair condition.

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5:40 p.m.

A van plowed into a group of people dining on a Los Angeles sidewalk, striking and injuring at least eight people.

A witness to the crash told The Associated Press the van jumped a curb and careened into a group of people eating outside The Fish Spot restaurant in the city’s Mid-Wilshire neighborhood.

Courtney Crump said several victims were pinned under the van and that one man had severe head injuries. He said witnesses held the driver until authorities arrived.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said a 44-year-old man suffered critical injuries, three were seriously hurt and four others were taken to the hospital in fair condition.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. Police spokesman Josh Rubenstein said the crash appeared to be an accident.

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5:10 p.m.

Authorities say a vehicle plowed into a group of people on a Los Angeles sidewalk, sending eight people to the hospital with injuries.

Stewart said a 44-year-old man suffered critical injuries, three were seriously hurt and four others were taken to the hospital in fair condition. An off-duty firefighter with the department was in the crowd but did not get injured.

Video footage from a news helicopter show a white van coming to rest on the sidewalk. The vehicle appeared to have knocked down a white picket fence surrounding outdoor seating for diners at The Fish Spot restaurant.